It is said that April Showers bring May flowers, but those showers can keep going all through May in some places. The truth is, near the Gulf Coast, those showers can keep popping up well into June and July. The Heartland is expected to get a healthy rainfall all summer this year. Many would think that the purpose of a house is (among other things) to keep dry. That is so, but to keep the roof sound you want to keep it dry as you can. It goes without saying that the only way to go about this is with gutters and gutter covers. If you want to know how gutters keep your home dry, do keep reading.
How Gutters Work
Philosopher Lao Tzu once observed “Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” That is quite evident. Water left to stand or constantly erode will soon leak through even the sturdiest of materials. Standing water can encourage the build up of mold and mildew that can cause material to break down even more quickly. A well working gutter system will collect rainwater and drain it away so that it does not build up by way of the drainspout. This prevents the roof from taking on water damage.
The Entire System
The gutter seems like a simple device to help sluice water off the roof and away from your house. Ideally, your gutter should have three working parts. There’s the gutter itself, the downspout (also called drainspout) and the hood (also called a cover.). The gutter should allow water to flow through freely in order to keep moisture from retaining in one spot for any amount of time. Wide gutters are ideal for this. The downspout too should be fairly wide. Ideally, the inside corners should allow water to flow freely with no “choke points” To keep the water free flowing, that’s what the purpose of the hood is. It is curved in order to make sure that leaves, twigs and other debris and pests don’t get into your gutter and clog it up.
Things to Consider About a Curved Hood
This type of hood works perfectly well even if you have a lot of trees on your property. Keep in mind that the guard strips should be installed at the exact same angle as the incline of the roof in order for everything to work properly. It is a bit difficult as a DIY project. For this reason, you are strongly encouraged to hire a professional to install, particularly if you have a building of two stories or more. The curved gutter may be visible from the ground. However, they do come in a variety of colors, so it is possible to get something that compliments your home. You will also appreciate the fact that these cover guards are built to last. They are not only effective but durable. They are sure to prove their worth in just one rainy season.
Conclusion:
A leaky roof is more than just unsightly and annoying when not being a slip hazard. It encourages the build up of mold and mildew. It can cause damage to the rafter, the walls, the ceiling joins and everything else. This compromises the whole structural integrity of the building. Not only will the ceiling and attic be damaged, if you have wiring in the ceiling or attic, mixing them with water will inevitably lead to disaster. You may also regard the high utility bills you may be obligated to pay due to compromised insulation. In short, you need not only a working gutter system, but one with covers that will keep it from getting clogged.
